STUDY OF THE HIGH-ENERGY LITHIUM–SULFUR RECHARGEABLE BATTERY

Rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted significant attention because of their high theoretical specific capacity (1672 mAh.g^-1) and high theoretical specific energy (2567 Wh.kg^-1) which is about five times that of Li-ion batteries. They have the potential to provide a 500km driving range for electric vehicles. They are made from relatively cheap and nontoxic materials. However, lithium-sulfur batteries suffer from several drawbacks, including: high cathodic volume expansion during charge/discharge, short cycle life, self-discharge and low coulombic efficiency, caused by the solubility of sulfur and of the lithium polysulfides in the battery electrolyte. In the current research, we investigate the impact of cathode design, type of electrolyte and type of cathode binder on the cathode reactions and on battery performance.